Organic waste management system

ABSTRACT

A method of managing organic waste and an organic waste management system. The method includes the steps of receiving organic waste liquids and solids in a collection vessel, such as a grease trap. The dissolved oxygen is monitored, the pH level is monitored, the flow is monitored, and the temperate of the organic waste liquids and solids in the collection vessel are all monitored and data is generated therefrom. Enzymes and bacteria are generated/supplied and delivered along with other reagents to the collection vessel in response to the data. In addition, dissolved oxygen, air, or equivalent is applied to the collection vessel in response to the data so that the organic waste liquids and solids are degraded.

CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/622,774, filed Oct. 28, 2004 entitled “Floor, Surface, Drain and SiteWaste Collection Management System”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a process and a system for managingboth the liquidation and degradation of organic waste liquids and solidsfrom a grease trap, interceptor, holding tank or similar vessel.Specifically, the present invention relates a coordinated treatment ofwaste including the addition of micro-organisms, enzymes and/orchemicals, along with oxygen/air to a grease trap or similar wastemanagement apparatus, the monitoring of conditions and real timeadjustment to both accommodate changing conditions of the waste beingtreated and to optimize the intended liquidation and degradation of thewaste. The amount of fat, oil, grease and other waste build up isthereby reduced in order to increase the amount of waste that may bedeposited into a municipal or similar waste or sewage system.

2. Prior Art

Restaurant kitchen and food service waste water contains fats, oils andgrease. Because fats, oils and grease will coat, congeal and accumulateon pipes and pumps and sometimes obstruct sewer and waste water lines,restaurant and food service establishments are required by most localand other governments to install and maintain collection devices,sometimes known as grease traps or interceptors. If fats, oils andgreases from restaurant and food service establishments are not properlymanaged, they can become a significant problem for waste watercollection and treatment systems leading to costly and hazardous flow ofwaste, fat, oils and greases into drain lines, sewer lines, liftstations, drain fields and publicly owned treatment works. Improperdisposal of fats, oils, and greases can result in high biochemcialoxygen demand (BOD) levels, increasing operating costs, cloggingcollection systems and the production of hazardous fumes. Accordingly,there are limits set by local governments and waste water treatmentauthorities on how much fat, oil and grease may be contained in wastewater generated by food service establishments.

A grease trap or interceptor is a vessel designed to prevent grease, fatand oils, solids and other debris from entering the waste water stream.

In a typical interceptor or grease trap, oil and grease, which arelighter than water, float to the top of the collection vessel whilesolids drop to the bottom primarily based on the principles of Stoke'sLaw. Once these components have been given sufficient time to separate,an aqueous phase results between the floating oil and grease and thesolids on the bottom of the collection vessel. Assuming that the aqueoussolution is within the acceptable limit of fat, oil and grease, theremaining aqueous solution may be deposited into a waste water system.

Periodically, the floating fat, oil and grease and the solidsaccumulated at the base of the vessel must be removed from the greasetrap to be disposed of or treated at a separate site. The process ofperiodically removing the accumulated materials is costly and timeconsuming. In addition, it is often difficult to properly regulate thegrease trap and undesirable levels of fat, oil and grease mayaccidentally enter the municipalities waste treatment pipelines andsystem. This can result in damage to the pipelines and waste watertreatment system and can result in costly funds to an operator.

In the past, various enzymes and other chemical agents have been appliedor added to grease traps independent of each other in an effort toreduce the amount of fat, oil or grease that accumulates therein. It isdifficult to accurately determine the amount of additives or oxygen tobe applied to a grease trap to suitably solubalize and digest theorganic waste. For example, if too large a quantity of enzymes andbacteria is added to the system, the production of solid sludge will beaccelerated which requires more frequent cleaning of the vessel.

Additionally, pH levels outside certain ranges can cause advanceddeterioration of gathering systems.

Air or oxygen have also been introduced into grease traps in the past,although typically this alone will not adequately digest the organicwaste due to emulsification of the fat, oil and grease or other criticalfactors such as pH and temperate being out of optimum range.

Additionally, if the grease trap or interceptor is not properlymaintained, it can emit unpleasant or hazardous odors.

According, there remains a need to provide an organic waste managementprocess and organic waste management system which will effectivelydissolve and degrade fats, oils and greases.

It is a principal object and purpose of the present invention to providea method and system to effectively dissolve and digest fats, oils andgreases as a part of a waste management system.

It is a further object and purpose of the present invention to monitorthe levels of multiple parameters affecting the concentration of fats,oils and greases in the collection vessel.

It is a further object and purpose of the present invention to provide asystem and method for adjusting the addition of enzymes and otheradditives based on conditions monitored within the collection vessel.

It is a further object and purpose of the present invention to provideda mechanism to remotely monitor various parameters affecting fats, oilsand greases in the grease trap in a usable format for single or multiplesites, including use by regulatory authorities.

It is a further object and purpose of the present invention to optimizethe environment through automated and periodic data analysis, oftenunique to a particular system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to both a process and a system fortreatment of organic waste in the form of fats, oils and grease.

A grease trap, interceptor, or collection vessel receives organic wasteliquids and solids which may originate from a restaurant, a foodservice, or food processing waste water stream. In the collectionvessel, the organic waste will separate into solids at the base of achamber and floating fat, oil and grease. An aqueous phase is locatedtherebetween.

The present invention will electronically monitor the pH level, monitorthe dissolved oxygen, monitor the flow, and monitor the temperature ofthe organic waste liquids and solids in the collection vessel atmultiple points in the facility. The present invention will dynamicallymake real-time adjustments in order to balance and optimize theeffective bacteria/enzyme activity in the collection vessel.

The vessel includes a sensor controller with a number of sensors. Thesensors may be located beneath the level of the organic waste liquidsand solids or, alternatively, the monitor containing the sensors may belocated above the level of liquids and solids. The monitor includes asensor to monitor the level of dissolved oxygen in the liquids andsolids. Additionally, the monitor includes several devices to sense thetemperature of the organic liquids and solids. Finally, the monitorincludes several pH level sensors to determined the pH level. Each ofthe sensors generate signal information or data which is transmitted toa senor monitor for processing. The sensor monitor is, in turn, incommunication with a system monitor controller or regulator.

The fermentation chamber or enzyme generator is regulated by the systemmonitor and a local sensor controller. Bacteria or other microorganismsare stored in a storage chamber and periodically released in metereddosages into the fermentation chamber or directly into the system.Additional storage chambers or tanks store protein, carbohydrates,buffers or other additives in order to release the additives into thefermentation chamber or directly into the system. The release ofmicroorganisms and/or buffers from their respective storage chambers orreservoirs is regulated by the monitor controller. Additionally, themonitor controller regulates the amount of heat supplied to thefermentation tank.

When a level of dissolved oxygen is below the optimum for microorganismgrowth and digestion of fat, oils and greases in the collection vessel,the monitor controller will activate an air compressor and air jets toincrease the dissolved oxygen level and/or dispense an oxidizing agent.Additionally, depending on the temperature of the organic waste liquidsand solids in the vessel, cold water from a cold water source may beintroduced into the vessel to lower the temperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an organic waste managementsystem constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a screen display of the monitor controller of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 3 through 7 illustrate schematic diagrams of the sensors andsensor controllers of the present invention;

FIGS. 8 through 10 illustrate a parallel interface controller for anexternal central processing unit; and

FIGS. 11 through 28 illustrate schematic diagrams of a monitorcontroller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specificmanners in which to make and use the invention and are not to beinterpreted as limiting the scope of the instant invention.

While the invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is to be noted that many modifications may be made inthe details of the invention's construction and the arrangement of itscomponents without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure. It is understood that the invention is not limited to theembodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification.

Referring to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified,diagrammatic view of an organic waste management system 10 in apreferred embodiment.

A collection vessel 12 in the form of a grease trap or interceptor isshown. Organic wastes, such as fats, oils and grease, enter the vesselthrough an influent or inlet 28 which may originate from a restaurant orfood service water waste stream. In one embodiment, organic wasteliquids and solids are deposited in a first chamber 14 separated from asecond chamber 16 by a baffle 18. A passageway 20 is positioned throughthe baffle 18 above the level of the floor of the first chamber 14.Accordingly, the organic waste will separate into solids 22 at the baseof the first chamber 14. Floating fat oil and grease 24 and an aqueousphase 26 therebetween. The aqueous phase is permitted to move into thesecond chamber 16. Floating fat, oil and grease in the second chamber isblocked from passing to a discharge 30. As will be described herein, theaqueous discharge from discharge or effluent 30 will only contain fats,oils and grease within the amount permitted to be disposed of in awastewater supply and within a regulated pH range.

It will be appreciated that the design of the vessel or grease trap maybe modified or changed within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

The system of the present invention will electronically monitor the pHlevel, the dissolved oxygen, monitor the flow, and the temperature ofthe organic waste liquids and solids and dynamically make real-timeadjustments to balance and optimize the effective bacteria/enzymeactivity.

The vessel 12 includes a sensor controller monitor 32 with a number ofdiscreet and distance sensors. The sensors may be located in the firstchamber 14 beneath the level of the organic waste liquids and solids.Alternatively, the sensor monitor 32 containing the various sensors maybe located above the level of liquids and solids in the first chamber14.

The monitor 32 includes a sensor 34 to monitor the level of dissolvedoxygen in the liquids and solids. Additionally, the monitor 32 includesa device 36 to sense the temperature of the organic waste liquids andsolids. A temperature sensor 84 at the inlet 28 controls release of coldwater into the vessel to optimize vessel temperature. Finally, themonitor 32 includes a pH level sensor 38 to determine the pH level. Eachof the sensors 34, 36 and 38 generate information or data which istransmitted to the monitor 32.

A pH sensor 80 and a flow sensor 82 are located in the collection vesselnear the discharge.

The sensor controller monitor 32 is in communication with a monitorcontroller or regulator 66. The sensor controller 40 sends a signal orsignals concerning measurements to the monitor controller or regulator66 via line 74.

In one configuration, the sensors 34, 36 and 38 are located above thelevel of the liquids and solids. Periodically, a pump 42 in connectionwith a tube 44 is activated so that liquids from the first chamber orother chambers are pumped through the tube 44 and past the sensors. Oncedata or readings have been gathered from the sensors, claim water from awater source, such as shown by line 46, may be provided to clean thetube and sensors prior to another reading. Accordingly, the sensors willnot be encrusted or covered with solids or sludge which could interferewith proper readings.

For example, the pump 42 may be activated every five minutes for a 30second interval so that readings are obtained every five minutes.Thereafter, water is delivered through the tube to clean it.

A fermentation chamber or enzyme generator 50 is regulated by the sensorcontroller 40. Bacteria or other microorganisms are sorted in a storagechamber 52 and periodically released in metered doses into thefermentation chamber 50. The controller 40 may include a centralprocessing unit that processes data from the sensors. The release ofmicroorganisms and/or buffers from their respective storage chambers orreservoirs into the enzyme generator 50 is regulated by the controller40. The controller 40 also regulates the amount of heat supplied to thefermentation tank. In order to increase the temperature, a cold watersource shown by line 54 and water heater 56 are provided to deliver hotwater to the enzyme generator 50. The controller may follow apre-programmed procedure for allowing microorganisms to multiply in theenzyme generator and then be released into the vessel 12. The controlleradjusts this procedure in response to readings from the sensors. Forexample, if the monitor detects that the pH level is outside the optimumrange for the growth and digestion of the fats, oils and greases by themicroorganisms, the controller may increase or decrease the amount ofbuffer added in order to compensate. The bacteria 52 may fall by gravityinto the fermentation chamber or may be pumped thereto.

When a level of dissolved oxygen is below the optimum for microorganismgrowth and digestion of fats, oil, and greases, the controller willactivate the air compressor and air jets to increase the dissolvedoxygen level.

Additional storage chambers or tanks 58 and 60 store protein,carbohydrates, buffers or other additives to release the additives intothe fermentation chamber. For example, bacteria or other microorganismswould be periodically released from the storage chamber 52 into thefermentation chamber 50. The release of enzymes from the enzymegenerator 50 is controlled by the regulator 40 in response to data fromthe sensors.

Direct to vessel reagent tanks 90 permit direct release of additives tothe vessel via line 92 as determined by the monitor controller 66.

Depending on the data and information gathered from the sensor 32, 34and 36, the enzyme generator 50 may be operated to release enzymesthrough line 72 into the vessel 12. Additionally, depending on thetemperature of the organic waste liquids and solids in the vessel, coldwater from a cold water source 46 may be introduced into the vessel tolower the temperature. Finally, air compressor 48 in combination withthe lines 62 and air jets 64 introduce air or dissolved oxygen inresponse to instructions from the monitor controller 66.

All of the data gathered from the sensors 34, 36 and 38 can also beelectronically delivered to a monitor controller 66 via 70. Thecontroller 66 may include a central processing unit to process the datareceived from the sensor controllers 40 and 32 and the sensors. Thecontroller 66 may also communicate with a remote data collector 68 ineither wired or wireless fashion. Accordingly, the monitor/controller 66and the remote data collector provide a mechanism for external,unidirectional or bidirectional communications concerning the status ofthe vessel or grease trap. For example, a restaurant chain could monitorand control the grease traps from each of its locations. Additionally,real time alerts could be generated at remote locations.

The system of the present invention reduces biochemcial oxygen demand onwaste water treatment facilities downstream since the organic waste isnot released until digested and processed.

In field tests of the present system, readings were gathered every fewminutes which support the claims herein, including BOD levels, oil andgrease levels, and total suspended solids (TSS), pH levels, andtemperature.

FIG. 2 illustrates a screen display of the monitor controller 66.Software is provided to control and automate functionality. Commands areissued to a sensor controller to provide readings or calibrate a probe.On/Off commands are sent to a relay controller to control high currentdevices.

Four temperature ports are available to make temperate measurements. TwopH ports are available for pH measurements and two DO ports areavailable to measure dissolved oxygen. These measurements can be mademanually by depressing the appropriate button. The readings aredisplayed along with the date and time the reading was made. Every timea reading is made, an entry is made in a log and the data transmitted toa remote server that stores the data in a database. An archive featureallows the log with 24 hours of readings to be archived locally and sentto a remote server.

The relay controller controls eight relays. Relay “1” controls a samplepump in the main tank. Relay “2” controls a sample pump that is locatedin the discharge of the grease trap. Relay “3” and “4” control solenoidsto dispense clean water. Relay “5” controls an air compressor that feedsdiffusers in the grease trap and operates a solenoid that releasesbacteria into the grease trap. These relays can be activated manually bydepressing the appropriate button.

Two functions are automated. Relay “5” is activate once every 24 hours.Measurements are controlled at user selectable intervals. Relay “1” isturned on and tempsensor0, pHsensor0, and DOSensor0 are read. Then Relay“1” is turned off and Relay “3” is turned on to wash the probes. NextRelay “3” is turned off and Relay “2” it turned on and then tempsensor1,pHSensor1, and DOSensor1 are read. Then relay “2” is turned off andRelay “3” is turned on to clean the sensors. TempSensor2 (incomingsolution) and tempSensor3 (ambient air) are read. After cleaning, Relay“4” is turned off and the process waits until the next measurementinterval.

FIGS. 3 through 7 illustrate schematic diagrams of the sensors of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3—Process temperature

The current from the temperature probes is converted into a voltage.

FIG. 4—Process pH

The voltage from the pH probes is buffered and amplified.

FIG. 5—Process DO

The voltage from the DO probes is buffered and amplified.

FIG. 6—Power Supply

The incoming 24 volts is converted into a digital 3.3 Volts and ananalog 3.3 Volts.

FIG. 7—Control

All analog voltages are converted to digital, processed and sent to themonitor controller.

FIGS. 8 through 10 illustrate a parallel interface controller for anexternal central processing unit.

FIG. 8—Interface

Provides standard parallel port interface to computer and providescontrol signals to relays.

FIG. 9—Relay Interface

Signals from the interface are buffered to activate a relay thatprovides contact closures for control.

FIG. 10—Power Supply

The 24 volt input voltage is converted into 5 volts for VCC.

FIGS. 11 through 28 illustrate schematic diagrams of a monitorcontroller 66.

FIG. 11—CPU

The main ARM CPU.

FIG. 12—Dynamic RAM

System random access memory

FIG. 13—Buss Buffers

Address and Data buffers to drive and receive from all peripherals.

FIG. 14—Flash

Parallel and serial flash for system and user non-voltage storage.

FIG. 15—Ethernet Interface

10/100 megabit network interface.

FIG. 16—Input Buss Buffers

The Input Buss Buffers apply the input signal to the processor data busswhen the CPU requests input.

FIGS. 17 and 18—Digital Inputs

Digital inputs to sense external contact closures.

FIG. 19—Digital Input Buffers

Buffers to provide noise immunity for the digital inputs.

FIG. 20—Output Latches

These latches provide control signals to the relays.

FIGS. 21 through 23—Relays

Drivers control the relays based on the input signals from the latches.

FIG. 24—Open Drain Outputs

The FET provides moderate current output control.

FIG. 25—Display Interface

Interface for DOT matrix display.

FIG. 26—Serial Communications

These interfaces provide serial communications for the Sensorcontroller, wireless communications, and Console.

FIG. 27—Interrupt Controller

The interrupt controller provides an interrupt to the CPU when there isa change on the digital inputs.

FIG. 28—Power Supply

The power supply provides +5 volts, one 3.3 volts for the CPU, and one3.3 volt output for peripherals.

Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to thedrawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and furthermodifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be madewithin the spirit and scope of this invention.

1. An organic waste management system which comprises: a collectionvessel for receipt of fat, oil or grease; a monitor to monitor dissolvedoxygen, monitor the pH level, and monitor the temperature of said fat,oil or grease in the collection vessel and generate data therefrom; afermentation chamber to generate enzymes separate from said vessel; aregulator receiving said data from said monitor; a delivery system todeliver said enzymes from said fermentation chamber to said vessel inresponse to said data; and a mechanism to apply oxygen or air to saidvessel in response to said data wherein said system operates to degradesaid fat, oil or grease.
 2. An organic waste management system as setforth in claim 1 wherein said monitor is located outside said liquidsand solids in said vessel, and including a pump to pump said liquidsthrough a tube containing said monitor, and including means to flushsaid tube with water.
 3. An organic waste management system as set forthin claim 1 wherein said data is delivered to and sorted in memory incommunication with a central processing unit and wherein said regulatorand said delivery system are in communication therewith.
 4. An organicwaste management system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said data isdelivered to a remote location.
 5. An organic waste management system asset forth in claim 1 wherein said delivery system also delivers buffersin response to data regarding said pH level.
 6. An organic wastemanagement system as set forth in claim 1 including a mechanism todecrease the temperature of said waste liquids and solids in said vesselby introduction of cold water.
 7. An organic waste management system asset forth in claim 1 wherein said data received by said regulator isdelivered to and received by a remote data collector.
 8. An organicwaste management system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said monitorcommunicates externally either unidirectionally or bidirectionally. 9.An organic waste management system which comprises: a collection vesselfor receipt of fat, oil or grease; a monitor having a sensor to monitorthe dissolved oxygen, a sensor to monitor the pH level, and a sensor tomonitor the temperature of said fat, oil or grease in the collectionvessel and generate data therefrom; means to deliver enzymes in measureddoses from a separate fermentation chamber to said collection vessel inresponse to said data; means to apply oxygen or air to said vessel inresponse to said data; means to control the amount of said fat, oil orgrease in the vessel; and means to control the pH level in the vesseland discharge therefrom.
 10. An organic waste management system as setforth in claim 9 further comprising a means for controlling biochemcialoxygen demand by optimizing dissolved oxygen, pH level and temperaturein said collection vessel.
 11. An organic waste management system as setforth in claim 9 wherein said sensors are located outside said liquidsand solids in said vessel, and including a pump to pump said liquidthrough a tube containing said sensors, and including means to flushsaid tube with water.